GreenPort Cruise & Congress 2018 took place in Valencia, Spain, from 16-19 October. Michele Witthaus reports on the highlights.

Welcoming GreenPort Cruise delegates, Francesc Sánchez, General Manager, Port Authority of Valencia, said that the city’s cruise numbers were growing at about 3 per cent annually. “We are working very hard with the city in establishing a sustainable framework for all cruises.” Maximo Caletrio, Cruise Programme Director, Valencia Tourism, said: “Cruise tourism has increased from just 18 calls in 2000, about 10,000 passengers, to a forecast for this year of nearly 200 cruise calls and more than 420,000 passengers.” The city has invested in green shore excursions, including 141 km of cycle lanes.